Adjusting the zeta potential of surfaces to reduce coke in fuel and oil systems

Abstract

Components and systems for reducing coke formation during transport of hydrocarbon fluids. The components include a contact surface configured to be in contact with a hydrocarbon fluid. Modulating the zeta potential of the contact surface allows for selective attraction and / or repulsion of coke catalyzing materials, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors present in the hydrocarbon fluid. Methods for reducing coke formation during transport of hydrocarbon fluids, the methods including: modulating the zeta potential of a contact surface of a component; and injecting or circulating a hydrocarbon fluid through the system such that the contact surface selectively attracts and / or repels coke catalyzing materials, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors present in the hydrocarbon fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to components and systems that come into contact with hydrocarbon fluids (particularly components for gas turbine engines used in aircraft) and methods for their preparation. Background Technology

[0002] Gas turbine engines include surfaces that come into contact with hydrocarbon fluids, such as fuel and lubricating oil. When exposed to hydrocarbon fluids at high temperatures, carbonaceous deposits (also known as coke) can form on these surfaces, causing carbon to adhere to and accumulate as deposits on surfaces that come into contact with fuel or oil. Attached Figure Description

[0003] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments, in which similar reference numerals generally denote the same, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which has components for reducing coke formation.

[0005] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system for reducing coke formation during hydrocarbon fluid transport according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0006] The features, advantages, and embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth or become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Furthermore, the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0007] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative directions of fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction in which the fluid flows. The term "fluid" can be either a gas or a liquid. The term "fluid connectivity" refers to the ability of fluids to establish a connection between specified areas.

[0008] Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms “connection,” “fixed,” “attached to,” etc., refer to direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as indirect connection, fixation, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0009] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of the components.

[0011] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to relative positions within a gas turbine engine or vehicle, and specifically to the normal operating height of the gas turbine engine or vehicle. For example, for a gas turbine engine, "front" refers to the position closer to the engine inlet, while "rear" refers to the position closer to the engine nozzle or exhaust port.

[0012] The approximate language used throughout the specification and claims can be used to modify any quantitative expression that may be varied without altering the underlying function. Therefore, values ​​modified by terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may indicate a difference of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of a single value, a range of values, and / or the endpoints of a defined range of values. Range definitions can be combined and / or interchanged throughout the specification and claims. Unless the context or language otherwise indicates, such ranges are defined and include all subranges contained therein.

[0013] As used herein, the term "zeta potential" refers to the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the quiescent layer of fluid attached to the dispersed particles.

[0014] As used herein, the term “surface potential” refers to the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the surface of the dispersed particles.

[0015] Various implementations are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0016] As described above, coke deposits can occur on the surfaces of gas turbine engines exposed to hydrocarbon fluids (such as fuel and lubricating oil) at high temperatures. Such carbon deposits can form if the fluid circuit is operated or shut down without removing residual stagnant fuel. As the deposits accumulate, they can become large enough to reduce or even impede fluid flow. In the case of fuel circuits, such carbon deposits can lead to decreased engine performance, reduced heat transfer efficiency, increased pressure drop, and increased material erosion rates, all of which may require costly decoking procedures or even replacement of fuel nozzles. This disclosure discusses methods for preventing such carbon deposits on the surfaces of components in contact with hydrocarbon fluids, particularly those used in gas turbine engines of aircraft. Preferred embodiments described herein relate to components, systems, and methods for preventing the formation of carbon deposits by hydrocarbon fluids at high temperatures. In particular, embodiments relate to modifying internal surfaces wetted or in contact with hydrocarbon fluids.

[0017] Hydrocarbon fluids may contain metal ion impurities originating from the hydrocarbon fluid itself, which comes into contact with metal components during the manufacture, storage, or transport of the hydrocarbon fluid. Although these metal ion impurities may be present in trace amounts (on the order of parts per billion or parts per million), these trace amounts are sufficient to accelerate fuel oxidation and coke deposition. Non-limiting examples of metal ion impurities include cations of heavy metals and transition metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, manganese, and vanadium) and cations of alkaline earth metals (e.g., magnesium).

[0018] Hydrocarbon fluids may contain polar substances containing heteroatoms (e.g., sulfur, nitrogen, and / or oxygen), which, under suitable fluid stress conditions, can form soluble and / or insoluble coke precursors (also containing heteroatoms), potentially leading to coke deposits on surfaces. Although these polar substances may be present in trace amounts (on the order of parts per billion or parts per million), these trace amounts are sufficient to form coke deposits. Non-limiting examples of polar substances include non-aromatic heteroatomic hydrocarbons and aromatic heteroatomic hydrocarbons. Non-limiting examples of non-aromatic heteroatomic hydrocarbons include: substituted or unsubstituted aziridines, ethylene oxides, thiocyclopropanes, oxocyclobutanes, aziriocyclobutanes, thiocyclobutanes, tetrahydrofurans, 1,2-dioxanes, 1,4-dioxanes, pyrrolidines, piperidines, thiols (RSH), thioethers (RSR), dithioethers (RSS-R'), and their derivatives (where R can be alkyl or aryl). Non-limiting examples of aromatic heteroatomic hydrocarbons include: substituted or unsubstituted furans, pyrroles, thiophenes, benzothiophenes, dibenzothiophenes, pyridines, indoles, benzofurans, carbazoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, imidazoles, oxazoles, pyrazoles, pyridazines, pyrimidines, purines, phenols, anilines, and their derivatives. Such heteroatomic hydrocarbons can lead to the formation of coke precursors and / or coke, which may have asphaltenes-like structures, for example, as shown below:

[0019]

[0020] Chemically modulating the surface potential or zeta potential of contact surfaces to impart predetermined surface or zeta potentials to various components in a hydrocarbon fluid system allows for the selective attraction or repulsion of dissolved or suspended materials at different points in the hydrocarbon fluid flow path, thereby reducing coke formation and / or deposition. For example, coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors with positive zeta or surface potentials in the hydrocarbon fluid are electrostatically attracted to materials with negative zeta or surface potentials, thus removing these substances from the hydrocarbon fluid. Simultaneously, surfaces with negative zeta or surface potentials repel negatively charged coke precursors to prevent their deposition. Conversely, surfaces with positive zeta or surface potentials repel positively charged coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors. Simultaneously, negatively charged heteroatomic hydrocarbons and / or coke precursors are electrostatically attracted to materials with positive zeta or surface potentials, thus removing these materials from the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0021] The components, systems, and methods discussed in this article are particularly applicable to engines, such as gas turbine engines used on aircraft. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an aircraft 10 that can implement various aspects of this disclosure. The aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 12, wings 14 connected to the fuselage 12, and a tail 16. The aircraft 10 also includes a propulsion system that generates the propulsive thrust required to propel the aircraft 10 during flight, taxiing operations, etc. Figure 1 The propulsion system of the aircraft 10 shown includes a pair of engines 50. In this embodiment, each engine 50 is connected to one of the wings 14 via a pylon 18 located under the wing. Although Figure 1 The engine 50 is shown attached to the wing 14 in an underwing configuration, but in other embodiments, the engine 50 may have alternative configurations and be attached to other parts of the aircraft 10. For example, the engine 50 may additionally or alternatively include more than one aspect attached to other parts of the aircraft 10 (e.g., the tail 16 and the fuselage 12).

[0022] As will be referred to below Figure 2 Further description, Figure 1 The engines 50 shown are gas turbine engines, each capable of selectively generating propulsive thrust for the aircraft 10. The amount of propulsive thrust can be controlled, at least in part, based on the volume of fuel supplied to the engines 50 via the fuel system 100. The aviation turbine fuels in the embodiments discussed herein are combustible liquid hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., kerosene-based fuels) having the desired carbon number, Jet A, Jet A1, JP-8, JP8+100, JP-5, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and deoxygenated fuel. The fuel is stored in fuel tanks 110 of the fuel system 100. Figure 1As shown, at least a portion of the fuel tank 110 is located in each wing 14, and a portion of the fuel tank 110 is located in the fuselage 12 between the wings 14. However, the fuel tank 110 may be located in other suitable locations within the fuselage 12 or the wings 14. The fuel tank 110 may also be entirely located within the fuselage 12 or the wings 14. The fuel tank 110 may also be a separate tank, rather than a single integral unit, such as two tanks each located within the respective wing 14.

[0023] although Figure 1 The aircraft 10 shown is an airplane, but the embodiments described herein can also be applied to other aircraft 10, including, for example, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Preferably, the aircraft discussed herein is a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotorcraft that generates lift through aerodynamic forces acting on, for example, a fixed wing (e.g., wing 14) or a rotor (e.g., the rotor of a helicopter), and is a heavier-than-air aircraft rather than a lighter-than-air aircraft (e.g., an airship).

[0024] Engine 50 can operate in conjunction with fuel system 100 and receive a fuel flow from fuel system 100. Fuel system 100 includes a fuel delivery assembly 120 in fluid contact downstream of fuel tank 110, providing a fuel flow from fuel tank 110 to engine 50. Fuel delivery assembly 120 includes pipes, conduits, etc., to fluidly connect various components of fuel system 100 to engine 50. Fuel system 100 may also include a fuel pump (not shown) in fluid communication with fuel in fuel delivery assembly 120. The fuel pump is used to direct fuel flow through fuel delivery assembly 120 to engine 50. Typically, the fuel pump can be a primary source of pressure rise in fuel delivery assembly 120 between fuel tank 110 and engine 50. Optionally, fuel delivery assembly 120 may include a chemical trap 122 to remove (eliminate) metal ions, charged heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors. Chemical trap 122 may be modular and / or replaceable. Optionally, the fuel delivery assembly 120 may include a filter 124 to prevent clogging. The filter 124 may be modular and / or replaceable. The chemical trap 122 and filter 124 can remove coke catalyst material, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, and / or coke precursors from the bulk hydrocarbon fluid, thereby preventing coke formation. Preventing coke formation, in turn, prevents deposition and related problems. The chemical trap 122 and filter 124 can also directly repel or attract charged coke catalyst material, metal ions, charged heteroatom hydrocarbons, and / or charged coke precursors (if formed) from appropriately modified surfaces in the hydrocarbon fluid flow path.

[0025] Fuel is injected into compressed air via nozzle assembly 130 (in fluid contact downstream of fuel delivery assembly 120) and mixed with compressed primary air. Nozzle assembly 130 injects fuel into turbulent flow of primary air, which promotes rapid mixing of fuel and primary air. The fuel-compressed air mixture is combusted in a combustion chamber, producing combustion gases (combustion products), which are accelerated as they exit the combustion chamber. As the products exit through the combustion chamber outlet, they are accelerated to drive engine 50. Non-limiting examples of fuel include Jet A, Jet A1, JP-8, JP8+100, JP-5, SAF, and deoxygenated fuels.

[0026] Engine 50 also includes various accessory systems to assist in the operation of engine 50 and / or the aircraft including engine 50. For example, engine 50 may include a lubrication system (not shown) configured to provide lubricant to bearings and gear meshing, for example, located at various components of engine 50. The lubricant provided by the lubrication system can increase the service life of such components and can remove a certain amount of heat from such components 220. In addition, the lubrication system provides lubrication for an electric generator (not shown) and provides cooling / heat dissipation for the electric generator. The electric generator can provide power to, for example, a starter motor for engine 50 and / or various other electronic components of engine 50 and / or the aircraft including engine 50. The lubrication system for engine 50 may use a hydrocarbon fluid (e.g., oil) for lubrication, wherein the oil circulates through the inner surfaces of the lines to clean the oil. Non-limiting examples of oil include lubricants used in aircraft turbines, such as Type II oils covered by MIL-PRF-23699 and SAEAS5780 specifications, lubricants used in land-based and sea-based power turbines, and engine and transmission lubricants used in automobiles.

[0027] The engine 50 discussed herein is provided by way of example only. In other embodiments, any other suitable engine may be used in conjunction with aspects of this disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, the engine may be any other suitable gas turbine engine, such as a turbofan engine, turboshaft engine, turboprop engine, turbojet engine, etc. In this way, in other embodiments, the gas turbine engine may have other suitable configurations, such as other suitable numbers or arrangements of shafts, compressors, turbines, fans, etc. In some embodiments, engine 50 may be a direct-drive fixed-pitch turbofan engine. In other embodiments, the gas turbine engine may be a geared gas turbine engine, a variable-pitch gas turbine engine, etc. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, aspects of this disclosure may be incorporated into or otherwise used with any other type of engine (e.g., a reciprocating engine) as described above. Furthermore, in other exemplary embodiments, exemplary engine 50 may include or be operatively connected to any other suitable accessory system. Additionally or alternatively, exemplary engine 50 may not include or may be operatively connected to more than one of the aforementioned accessory systems.

[0028] As described above, various components of engine 50 come into contact with hydrocarbon fluids (e.g., fuel and oil) at elevated temperatures. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, various components of the fuel system 100 come into contact with the hydrocarbon fluid. For example, such components may be the fuel tank 110, the fuel delivery assembly 120, the nozzle assembly 130, the chemical trap 122, the filter 124, and the lubrication system, and / or any other component configured to come into contact with the hydrocarbon fluid, whether that component is in the engine 50 or in another system.

[0029] For example, such as Figure 2As shown, the nozzle assembly 130 includes a fluid channel 134 through which a hydrocarbon fluid is positioned and flows and a containment wall 136. The containment wall 136 includes a contact surface 132. The contact surface 132 may form the boundary of the fluid channel 134 and can therefore be a wetting surface or contact surface wetted / contacted by the hydrocarbon fluid in the fluid channel 134. The zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface 132 can be customized by surface functionalization or coating, allowing the contact surface 132 to selectively repel or attract charged coke catalysts, metal ions, charged heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and / or charged coke precursors in the fluid channel 134 (and other parts of the hydrocarbon fluid flow path (not shown)) as needed, to reduce coke formation and deposition. The adjustability of the zeta potential or surface potential may depend on the selected chemical end groups. The zeta potential or surface potential of the surfaces of other parts of the hydrocarbon fluid flow path can be customized to reduce coke formation and deposition. Furthermore, the chemical trap 122 or filter 124 can be located upstream of the nozzle assembly 130 to prevent coke formation in the bulk hydrocarbon fluid. In addition to adjusting the zeta potential or surface potential of the surface of the chemical trap 122 or filter 124, the effectiveness of the trap or filter material can be improved by using chemically or physically modified pore and / or surface regions. A surface with a negative zeta potential or surface potential can repel any negatively charged coke precursor (if formed). Conversely, a surface with a positive zeta potential or surface potential can repel any positively charged material or even dual charge from the inner wall of the nozzle assembly 130 or from the surface of the chemical trap 122 or filter 124 located in the flow path, as needed. Besides adjusting the zeta potential or surface potential to have a predetermined zeta potential or surface potential, dual charge repulsion can also be achieved by adjusting the surface structure (e.g., channels with appropriate pore sizes according to the size of coke precursor molecules).

[0030] Contact surface 132 may comprise a cobalt-chromium alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, an iron-based alloy, or other suitable material capable of withstanding high temperatures. Non-limiting examples of cobalt-chromium alloys include Stellite alloys (e.g., Stellite-6B). Non-limiting examples of cobalt-based alloys include... 188. Non-limiting examples of nickel-based alloys include 600 625、 718、 X-750, Rene N2, N4, N5, N500 and X. Non-limiting examples of iron-based alloys include stainless steels such as SS-304, SS-316, SS-340, SS-321, and SS-440. Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain alloys (e.g., ReneN5, N500, N4, N2, ...) 718、 X and 188) is known as a superalloy capable of withstanding high operating temperatures.

[0031] In one embodiment, the temperature of various components of the engine 50 may be 25 to 430°C, or 50 to 300°C, or 90 to 200°C, or 25 to 100°C, or 100 to 200°C, or 200 to 300°C, or 300 to 430°C.

[0032] In one embodiment, the zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface of the component configured to contact the hydrocarbon fluid is negative. The zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface can be -500 mV to 0 mV, or -400 mV to 0 mV, or -300 mV to 0 mV, or -200 mV to 0 mV, or -100 mV to 0 mV, or -80 mV to 0 mV, or -60 mV to 0 mV, or -40 mV to 0 mV, or -20 mV to 0 mV. The negative zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface allows for the adsorption of any positively charged material present in the hydrocarbon fluid and allows for the repulsion of any negatively charged material present in the hydrocarbon fluid. For example, surface functionalization or coating of the contact surface allows its zeta potential or surface potential to be negatively modulated, wherein coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons and / or coke precursors with positive zeta potentials or surface potentials in the hydrocarbon fluid can be adsorbed onto the contact surface with negative zeta potentials or surface potentials by electrostatic attraction, thereby eliminating them from the bulk hydrocarbon fluid.

[0033] In one embodiment, surface functionalization can induce a negative zeta potential or surface potential at the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of functional groups that can induce a negative zeta potential or surface potential include carboxyl, hydroxyl, peroxy, sulfate, sulfonic acid, phosphate, and halogen groups. Non-limiting examples of carboxyl-functionalized materials include zirconium oxy2-ethylhexanoate, sodium alginate, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Non-limiting examples of hydroxyl-functionalized materials include ceramics directly synthesized as hydroxides, such as Zr(OH)₄·xH₂O, Al(OH)₃·xH₂O, and Ti(OH)₄·xH₂O; or hydroxy oxides, such as ZrO(OH)₂. n • xH₂O. Non-limiting examples of peroxy-functionalized materials include ceramics directly synthesized as peroxides, such as titanium peroxide obtained by reacting titanium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide. Non-limiting examples of sulfate-functionalized materials include sodium alkyl sulfate [CH₃-(CH₂)] n-1 -O-SO3Na], for example, sodium dodecyl sulfate (C 12 H 25 (SO4Na). Non-limiting examples of sulfonic acid-functionalized materials include sodium alkane-1-sulfonate [CH3-(CH2)] n-1 -SO3Na], for example, sodium dodecyl sulfonate (C12 H 25 Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SO3Na) and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (Dioctyl sulfosuccinate). Non-limiting examples of phosphate-functionalized materials include dodecyl phosphate, 12-hydroxydodecyl phosphate, and octadecyl phosphate (C...). 18 H 37 OPO(OH)2). Non-limiting examples of halide-functionalized materials include: hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, F2, Cl2, Br2, trifluoromethane, chloroform, tetrachloroethylene, and hexafluoropropylene. These functionalized materials may exist in powder form, separable form, aqueous form, suspension form, or hydrocarbon solvation form. The introduction of these functionalized materials into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system may occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the negatively charged ceramic coating can induce a negative zeta potential or surface potential at the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of negatively charged ceramics include silica derivatives (SiO₂). - ), silicates, and aluminosilicates. In aluminosilicates, Al is used. 3+ Replace Si 4+ This results in the clay material carrying a negative charge. These ceramics can exist in powder, separated, aqueous, suspension, or hydrocarbon solvated form. The introduction of these ceramics into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system can occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0035] In one embodiment, a coating of a negatively charged polymer can induce a negative zeta potential or surface potential at the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of negatively charged polymers include polyamides and polyimides. These polymers can be present in powder, separable, aqueous, suspension, or hydrocarbon solvated forms. The introduction of these polymers into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system can occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface of the component configured to contact the hydrocarbon fluid is positive. The zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface can be 0 mV to 500 mV, or 0 mV to 400 mV, or 0 mV to 300 mV, or 0 mV to 200 mV, or 0 mV to 100 mV, or 0 mV to 80 mV, or 0 mV to 60 mV, or 0 mV to 40 mV, or 0 mV to 20 mV. A positive zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface allows for the adsorption of any negatively charged material present in the hydrocarbon fluid and allows for the repulsion of any positively charged material present in the hydrocarbon fluid. For example, surface functionalization or coating of the contact surface allows for positive modulation of its zeta potential or surface potential, wherein coke precursors with negative zeta potentials or surface potentials in the hydrocarbon fluid can be adsorbed onto the contact surface with positive zeta potentials or surface potentials by electrostatic attraction, thereby eliminating them from the bulk hydrocarbon fluid.

[0037] In one embodiment, surface functionalization can induce a positive zeta potential or surface potential on the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of functional groups that can induce a positive zeta potential or surface potential include amine groups. Non-limiting examples of amine-functionalized materials include permanently charged quaternary ammonium salts, such as hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride and dimethyloctadecylammonium chloride, ethylenediamine, and urea (including ceramic oxides, such as Y2O3 synthesized from YCl3·6H2O in the presence of urea). These functionalized materials can be present in powder form, separated form, aqueous form, suspension form, or hydrocarbon solvation form. The introduction of these functionalized materials into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system can occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0038] In one embodiment, a positively charged ceramic coating can induce a positive zeta potential or surface potential at the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of positively charged ceramics include ceramic oxides, such as yttrium oxide, alumina, and zirconium oxide synthesized in the presence of urea from their respective metal salts (e.g., chlorides).

[0039] In one embodiment, a coating of a positively charged polymer can induce a positive zeta potential or surface potential at the contact surface. Non-limiting examples of positively charged polymers include polymers having protonable primary, secondary, or tertiary amine functional groups, and polymers having quaternary ammonium groups. These polymers can be present in powder, separable, aqueous, suspension, or hydrocarbon solvated form. The introduction of these polymers into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system can occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0040] Non-limiting examples of other suitable materials for altering the zeta potential or surface potential of a component's contact surface (configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid) include: ceramics, such as silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, rare earth oxides, other transition metal oxides, and spinel oxides (e.g., ferrite); polymers, such as polymethylsilsesquioxane, polyamide, polyimide, polybenzimidazole, and melamine; graphene; graphene oxide; MAX phases, such as Ti3AlC2; and MXenes, such as Ti3C2T. x In the formula, T represents a surface functional group, including O, OH, H, and Li; phosphorene; and single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. These materials can be used alone, in modified or functionalized form, or in combination with any of the aforementioned materials. These materials can exist in powder, separated, aqueous, suspension, or hydrocarbon solvated form. The introduction of these materials into the fuel system 100 or lubrication system can occur before or in conjunction with hydrocarbon fluid injection or circulation.

[0041] In one embodiment, the contact surface may have a double charge. The double-charged surface may include negatively charged functional groups and positively charged functional groups. The negatively charged and positively charged functional groups may exist in the same molecule, forming a zwitterionic structure. Alternatively, the negatively charged and positively charged functional groups may exist independently in different molecules. The double-charged surface may include microchannels (e.g., zeolite-type channels). The functionalized or charged interior of the microchannel has a positive zeta potential or surface potential, and the functionalized or charged exterior of the microchannel has a negative zeta potential or surface potential. Alternatively, the functionalized or charged interior of the microchannel has a negative zeta potential or surface potential, and the functionalized or charged exterior of the microchannel has a positive zeta potential or surface potential.

[0042] In one embodiment, the contact surface exhibits dual charge repulsion behavior. This can be achieved, in addition to adjusting the zeta potential or surface potential to have a predetermined zeta potential or surface potential, by means of chemically or physically modifying the surface structure (e.g., channels with appropriate pore sizes according to the size of the coke precursor molecules). Such a contact surface can prevent surface deposition and filter clogging.

[0043] Advantageously, the material used to change the zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface is free from decomposition over a wide operating temperature range of the fuel system 100 or the lubrication system.

[0044] Advantageously, aspects of this disclosure relate to chemically modulating the zeta potential or surface potential of internal surfaces, chemical traps, or filters in fuel / oil systems to have predetermined zeta potentials or surface potentials, allowing them to selectively attract or repel dissolved materials or “insoluble substances” in various parts of the flow path as needed, thereby mitigating coke formation and deposition. Positively surface-charged coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatom compounds, and coke precursors in the hydrocarbon fluid can be electrostatically attracted to materials with negative zeta potentials or surface potentials, thereby eliminating them from the bulk hydrocarbon fluid. Furthermore, coke formation and deposition can be reduced by using chemical traps or filters (which can be periodically replaced) upstream of the hydrocarbon fluid delivery system, thus preventing coke formation in the bulk hydrocarbon fluid. Surfaces with negative zeta potentials or surface potentials can also repel any negatively charged coke precursors (if formed). Conversely, surfaces can be customized to repel positively charged or even double-charged substances from the inner walls of hydrocarbon fluid nozzle assemblies, chemical traps, or filter surfaces in the flow path as needed. The zeta value of a surface can be tuned by chemical modification and / or coating methods to incorporate chemical end groups onto the surface according to the desired surface charge. The selection of chemical substances ensures operability and durability over a wide temperature range and with various hydrocarbon fluid compositions.

[0045] Other aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following provisions.

[0046] A component configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid, the component including a wall having a contact surface configured to contact the hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the contact surface has a predetermined zeta potential or surface potential such that the contact surface selectively repels or attracts at least one of a coke catalyst, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, or coke precursors.

[0047] According to the components described in the foregoing clauses, the predetermined zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface is negative.

[0048] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface is functionalized with a functional group, the functional group including at least one selected from carboxyl, hydroxyl, peroxy, sulfate, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid or halide.

[0049] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises at least one of silicon dioxide, silicate, or aluminosilicate.

[0050] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises polyamide or polyimide.

[0051] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the predetermined zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface is positive.

[0052] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface is functionalized with an amino group.

[0053] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises a polymer having protonated primary amine groups, secondary amine groups, tertiary amine groups, or quaternary amine groups.

[0054] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface has a dual charge.

[0055] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises negatively charged functional groups and positively charged functional groups.

[0056] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface includes microchannels, the interior of the microchannels carrying opposite charges to the exterior of the microchannels.

[0057] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid comprises at least one of Jet A, JetA1, JP-8, JP8+100, JP-5, SAF, lubricating oil used in aircraft turbines, lubricating oil used in power turbines, or engine and transmission lubricating oil used in automobiles.

[0058] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises at least one of a cobalt-chromium alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, or an iron-based alloy.

[0059] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid contains at least one cation selected from lead, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, manganese, vanadium or magnesium.

[0060] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon or coke precursor comprises at least one of the following non-aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbons: aziridine, ethylene oxide, thiocyclopropane, oxacyclobutane, aziriobutane, thiocyclobutane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, pyrrolidine, piperidine, thiol (RSH), thioether (RSR), dithioether (RSS-R'), or derivatives thereof.

[0061] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least one of the coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon or coke precursor comprises: at least one of the following non-aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbons: aziridine, ethylene oxide, thiocyclopropane, oxacyclobutane, aziriobutane, thiocyclobutane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, pyrrolidine, piperidine, thiol (RSH), thioether (RSR), dithioether (RSS-R'), or derivatives thereof.

[0062] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon or coke precursor comprises at least one of the following aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbons: furan, pyrrole, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, pyridine, indole, benzofuran, carbazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, imidazole, oxazole, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyrimidine, purine, phenol, aniline or derivatives thereof.

[0063] The component according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least one of the coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon or coke precursor comprises: an aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbon comprising at least one of furan, pyrrole, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, pyridine, indole, benzofuran, carbazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, imidazole, oxazole, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyrimidine, purine, phenol, aniline or derivatives thereof.

[0064] A gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine including a nozzle assembly, wherein the component in any one of the preceding clauses is a nozzle assembly and the contact surface is the inner surface of the nozzle assembly.

[0065] A system for reducing coke formation, the system comprising: a tank having a first predetermined zeta potential or surface potential; a fuel delivery assembly fluidly connected downstream of the tank; and a nozzle assembly fluidly connected downstream of the fuel delivery assembly; wherein the component described in any one of the preceding clauses is one or more of the fuel delivery assembly and the nozzle assembly, and the contact surface is an inner surface of one or more of the fuel delivery assembly and the nozzle assembly, the contact surface having a second predetermined zeta potential different from the first predetermined zeta potential, such that the contact surface selectively repels or attracts at least one of coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, or coke precursors.

[0066] A system for reducing coke formation, the system comprising: a tank having a first predetermined zeta potential; a fuel delivery assembly fluidly connected downstream of the tank; and a nozzle assembly fluidly connected downstream of the fuel delivery assembly; wherein the component described in any one of the preceding clauses is one or more of the fuel delivery assembly and the nozzle assembly, and the contact surface is an inner surface of one or more of the fuel delivery assembly and the nozzle assembly, the contact surface having a second predetermined zeta potential different from the first predetermined zeta potential, such that the contact surface selectively repels or attracts at least one of coke catalysts, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, or coke precursors.

[0067] According to the system described in the foregoing clauses, the fuel delivery assembly includes a chemical trap, the chemical trap having a negative zeta potential or surface potential, such that at least one of coke catalyst material, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, or coke precursors is removed from the system.

[0068] According to the system described in the foregoing clauses, the fuel delivery assembly includes a chemical trap with a negative zeta potential, such that at least one of coke catalyst, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, or coke precursors is removed from the system.

[0069] The system according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the fuel delivery assembly includes a dual charge filter.

[0070] A component configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid, the component including a wall having a contact surface configured to contact the hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the contact surface has a predetermined surface potential such that the contact surface selectively repels or attracts at least one of a coke catalyst, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, or coke precursors.

[0071] A method for reducing coke formation during hydrocarbon fluid transport, the method comprising: adjusting the zeta potential or surface potential of a contact surface of a component; and injecting or circulating a hydrocarbon fluid such that the contact surface comes into contact with the hydrocarbon fluid; wherein the contact surface selectively attracts or repels at least one of a coke catalyst, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, or coke precursors present in the hydrocarbon fluid.

[0072] According to the method described in the foregoing clauses, the zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface is negative.

[0073] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface is functionalized with a functional group, the functional group including at least one selected from carboxyl, hydroxyl, peroxy, sulfate, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid or halide.

[0074] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises at least one of silicon dioxide, silicate, or aluminosilicate.

[0075] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises polyamide or polyimide.

[0076] In any of the preceding clauses, the method wherein the zeta potential or surface potential of the contact surface is positive.

[0077] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface is functionalized with an amino group.

[0078] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises a polymer having protonated primary amine groups, secondary amine groups, tertiary amine groups, or quaternary amine groups.

[0079] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface has a dual charge.

[0080] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises negatively charged functional groups and positively charged functional groups.

[0081] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface includes microchannels, the interior of the microchannels carrying opposite charges to the exterior of the microchannels.

[0082] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid comprises at least one of Jet A, Jet A1, JP-8, JP8+100, JP-5, SAF, lubricating oil used in aircraft turbines, lubricating oil used in power turbines, or engine and transmission lubricating oil used in automobiles.

[0083] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the contact surface comprises at least one of a cobalt-chromium alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, or an iron-based alloy.

[0084] The method according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the hydrocarbon fluid comprises a cation of at least one selected from lead, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, manganese, vanadium or magnesium.

[0085] According to any one of the preceding clauses, the coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon or coke precursor includes at least one non-aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbon selected from: aziridine, ethylene oxide, thiocyclopropane, oxacyclobutane, aziriobutane, thiocyclobutane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, pyrrolidine, piperidine, thiol (RSH), thioether (RSR), dithioether (RSS-R'), or derivatives thereof.

[0086] While the foregoing description is directed to various exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that other changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A component configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid, the component comprising: The wall has a contact surface configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid. The contact surface has a predetermined ζ potential, which allows the contact surface to selectively repel or attract at least one of coke catalyst material, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, or coke precursors. The predetermined ζ potential is the potential difference between the hydrocarbon fluid and the hydrocarbon fluid stationary layer attached to the contact surface. The contact surface has a dual charge, comprising negatively charged functional groups and positively charged functional groups.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The negatively charged functional group includes at least one of carboxyl, hydroxyl, peroxy, sulfate, sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, or halide.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface comprises at least one of silicon dioxide, silicate, or aluminosilicate.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface contains polyamide or polyimide.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The positively charged functional group includes an amino group.

6. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface comprises a polymer having protonated primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amine groups.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrocarbon fluid contains at least one of Jet A, JetA1, JP-8, JP8+100, JP-5, SAF, lubricating oil used in aircraft turbines, lubricating oil used in power turbines, or engine and transmission lubricating oil used in automobiles.

8. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface comprises at least one of a cobalt-chromium alloy, a cobalt-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, or an iron-based alloy.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrocarbon fluid contains at least one cation selected from lead, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, manganese, vanadium, or magnesium.

10. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon, or coke precursor comprises at least one of the following non-aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbons: aziridine, ethylene oxide, thiocyclopropane, oxacyclobutane, aziriobutane, thiocyclobutane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, pyrrolidine, piperidine, thiol (RSH), thioether (RSR), dithioether (RSS-R'), or derivatives thereof.

11. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The coke catalyst, metal ion, heteroatom hydrocarbon, or coke precursor comprises at least one of the following aromatic heteroatom hydrocarbons: furan, pyrrole, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, pyridine, indole, benzofuran, carbazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, imidazole, oxazole, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyrimidine, purine, phenol, aniline, or derivatives thereof.

12. A gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine comprising: The component as claimed in claim 1; The component is a nozzle assembly, and the contact surface is the inner surface of the nozzle assembly.

13. A system for reducing coke formation, the system comprising: The container has a first predetermined ζ potential; A fuel delivery assembly, the fuel delivery assembly being fluidly connected downstream of the tank; as well as A nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly being fluidly connected downstream of the fuel delivery assembly; Wherein, the fuel delivery assembly and / or nozzle assembly is the component as described in claim 1, the contact surface is the inner surface of the fuel delivery assembly and / or nozzle assembly, and the contact surface has a second predetermined zeta potential different from the first predetermined zeta potential, such that the contact surface selectively repels or attracts at least one of coke catalyst material, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons or coke precursors.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The fuel delivery assembly includes a chemical trap with a negative zeta potential, which removes at least one of coke catalyst, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, or coke precursors from the system.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The fuel delivery assembly includes a dual charge filter.

16. A component configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid, the component comprising: The wall has a contact surface configured to contact a hydrocarbon fluid. The contact surface has a predetermined surface potential, which allows the contact surface to selectively repel or attract at least one of coke catalyst material, metal ions, heteroatom hydrocarbons, or coke precursors. The predetermined surface potential is the potential difference between the hydrocarbon fluid and the contact surface. The contact surface has a dual charge, comprising negatively charged functional groups and positively charged functional groups.

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